A Reality Show Crew Was Arrested Smuggling a Fake Bomb Into an Airport

A bomb scare at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey turned out not to be terrorism, but pure stupidity. Reports claim at least seven members of a reality show TV crew were arrested on Thursday for filming an attempt to smuggle a fake bomb through TSA checkpoints.

Representatives for the Transportation Security Administration told CBS New York that the seven individuals attempted to covertly film the incident, which involved parts of a vacuum cleaner made to look like an explosive device. The TSA detected the suspicious item at their checkpoint, after which the perpetrators claimed to be members of a TV crew. As the New York Daily News reports, the crew belonged to CNBC reality show Staten Island Hustle and sought to “record the mass panic they presumed would ensue from the discovery of the item” (via EW).

Said a representative for Endemol Shine North America, who oversees Staten Island Hustle:

We are looking into the details of what happened as a matter of priority and are in contact with relevant authorities on the ground. While this process is ongoing we are unable to comment further but in the meantime, we sincerely apologize for any disruption caused.

Another representative told The BBC that crew members could face penalties of $13,000 for each security violation. Stay tuned for additional details as they emerge.